The 10 Best Mascaras That Were Basically Meant for Brides

Best Overall

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

4.2

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This aptly-named pick truly does create the look of lash extensions—with none of the time, commitment, or cost associated with such. The length and definition it imparts truly are unparalleled in our opinion, partially thanks to a molded brush that helps the formula reach every single little lash. While it’s not waterproof, it does have a film-forming technology that wards off smudges and smears impressively well, though it still comes off very easily with just warm water.

Price at time of publish: $29

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Jones Road The Mascara

4.2

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Fun fact: The name of this mascara is a nod to the fact that it’s ‘the’ only one you’ll ever need. The deeply-pigmented black hue packs a major punch, and the formula is easily layerable and buildable, a major boon per Patinkin’s previous tip about brides using a few extra coats. The curved wand captures and coats both the inner and outer lashes equally well, adding a nice amount of separation, lift, and volume. It doesn’t hurt that it’s totally clean and highly-conditioning for your lashes, too.

Price at time of publish: $26

Best Drugstore

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lengthening Mascara

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Nothing against the OG Great Lash formula (you know, the one in the neon pink and green tube), but this is our favorite Maybelline mascara. It fans out lashes and adds tons of both length and volume. Plus, you can pick from six different colors/waterproof and non-waterproof options, and, in true drugstore fashion, the price can’t be beaten.

Price at time of publish: $12

Best Waterproof

Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara

5

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You don’t necessarily need to use waterproof mascara on your wedding day, but, if you know you’ll be shedding a tear or two (and/or that it’s going to be super hot and humid), it’s not a bad idea to err and the safety and opt for this pick. Lengthening and volumizing, the formula has proteins, amino acids, and honey in the mix that help improve the health of your lashes and ensure they stay nice and soft even if you layer on multiple coats. In our experience, that’s not always the case with waterproof formulas, which can tend to get brittle and hard quickly.

Price at time of publish: $26

Best Tubing

Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara

4.8

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Patinkin says tubing mascaras are a nice alternative to waterproof formulas for brides; they work by delivering teeny-tiny tubes that coat and extend every lash. This is one of her favorites: “It builds length and volume and stays put until you wash it off,” she says. It won’t smudge and is water-resistant, and, as a nice bonus, the tube is made from 100% ocean-recycled plastic.

Price at time of publish: $24

Best for Length

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

4.6

View On Thrivecausemetics.com

Another tubing formula, there’s good reason this mascara has amassed somewhat of a cult-like following. It won’t clump, flake, or smudge and comes off with water alone, no eye makeup remover required. It’s also dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, a non-irritating pick even for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. Plus, it comes in not only black, but also brown and a super-pretty deep-blue hue.

Price at time of publish: $25

Best for Volume

Kjaer Weis Im-Possible Mascara

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“The wand of this mascara makes it so easy to build a ton of fluffy volume and also to get into the baby lower lashes,” says Patinkin of another one of her favorites. (The brush is nice and thick.) It’s not only clean, but it’s also one of the few certified organic mascaras out there, filled with good-for-your lashes ingredients such as nourishing marula oil and strengthening sunflower oil. Also cool: The tube is refillable, choice for anyone looking to make their makeup routine more sustainable.

Price at time of publish: $32

Best for Lash Lift

Milk Makeup Rise Lifting + Lengthening Mascara

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This newbie imparts so much lift and curl to lashes that you may be tempted to ditch your lash curler. The curved brush is specially made to lift and boost all lash types (straight, curly, fine, or thick) from the root, while its wavy bristles help to keep clumps at bay. The mascara itself is made from, among other things, four vegan waxes that are surprisingly lightweight, ensuring lashes stay nice and lifted and not weighed down. And the tube itself has a unique grippy texture that makes it incredibly easy to hold.

Price at time of publish: $18

Best Versatile

ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara

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Not sure whether you want length, volume, or a little bit of both? Try this mascara. “The applicator has one side that builds length and another side that builds volume, so you get the best of both worlds,” says Patinkin of another one of her favorites. (Namely, the bristles are shorter and fluffier on one side, and longer and more defined on the other.) The mascara is made with beeswax and shea butter that imparts hold yet is still flexible, so you don’t have to worry about flakes.

Price at time of publish: $13